Born out of Malawian culture, Zathu uses the power of music and storytelling to close the gender gap and tackle challenging topics such as relationships, stereotypes, self-expression, and sexual health.
Uniting boys and girls for a more equal Malawi
Deputy Headmaster, Ezondweni Secondary School, MalawiSomething was sleeping within our children, but now it has awakened because of Zathu.
Theresa, LilongweZathu brings boys and girls closer, and allows us to ask questions without being judged.
Ambassador Deborah Birx, the United States global AIDS co-ordinatorA groundbreaking approach not just for Malawi, but the region as a whole.
Girl, 20, MalawiI have learnt a lot of things from Zathu. I have learnt to be strong, loving and caring, non-discriminatory, and to have healthy self-esteem.
The sound of a new Malawi
Bringing together the best of local culture and creativity, Zathu is a unique youth brand that uses the power of music and storytelling to tackle challenging topics around growing up - from friendships and finding the confidence to express yourself, to harmful stereotypes and sexual health.
Meaning ‘Ours’ in Chichewa, Zathu is on a mission to unite girls and boys to forge an equal Malawi through the power of storytelling and music - helping girls to be seen, to be heard, and to achieve.
Zathu launched in 2017 in partnership with PEPFAR’s DREAMS initiative, with the aim to close the gender gap in Malawi and tackle the high rates of HIV infection among adolescent girls. Consumed by 4.3 million people via radio shows, magazines, music, and digital channels, 90% of consumers believe Zathu has improved their perception of girls and young women in Malawi.
What we make
Magazine
Informative and entertaining content distributed to schools for free.
Brand Ambassadors
Supporting content distribution in the districts where Zathu is active.
Our impact
Reach
4.3 million people
aged 10+ consume Zathu, including 1.8 million 10-19 year-olds
4.3 million people
aged 10+ consume Zathu, including 1.8 million 10-19 year-olds
(Zathu comparative analysis, 2020)
Girls' Agency
39% of girls
who consume relevant content answer all questions relating to knowledge on communicating with partners correctly, 11% higher than non consumers
39% of girls
who consume relevant content answer all questions relating to knowledge on communicating with partners correctly, 11% higher than non consumers
Behaviour Change
32% of magazine readers
are more likely to have had the first dose of the HPV vaccine that protects them from cervical cancer than non-readers
32% of magazine readers
are more likely to have had the first dose of the HPV vaccine that protects them from cervical cancer than non-readers
(Zathu mini-magazine evaluation, 2020)
Zathu awards & endorsements
Zathu has been recognised for the strides it is already taking in tackling the structural and negative social drivers that reinforce gender inequality in Malawi.
Winner of ‘Best Breakthrough Creative’ in the Demand Creation Challenge awards 2018
Distinction in the ‘Gender Equality’ category of Shorty Social Good awards 2018
Read more
Shortlisted for an African Excellence Award in the 'Multi Channel Communication' category
Zathu partnerships
Gavi
Breaking down negative attitudes and behaviours that prevent girls accessing life-saving vaccines
Learn more about Gavi
PEPFAR DREAMS
Increasing demand for health services by empowering girls
Learn more about PEPFAR DREAMS